self-explanatory

adjective

self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ˌself-ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: explaining itself : capable of being understood without explanation

Examples of self-explanatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If the concept seems self-explanatory, consider that the guidelines claim that both vegetable oil and sparkling water are nutrient-dense. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025

Physiologically, these states of bodily outpourings are of course quite self-explanatory, given all the melting, leaking, sweating, salivating and squirting the Sapphic body is notorious for in the art of Sapphics of all genders throughout history. —Siouxzi Connor june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025

While helpful instructions are included, assembly in the backyard is self-explanatory. —Sandi Schwartz, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025

While the word overfishing may sound self-explanatory, the nuance is essential: overfishing relative to what? —Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-explanatory

• adjudicatory
• anticipatory
• articulatory
• classificatory
• conciliatory
• congratulatory
• discriminatory
• ejaculatory
• emancipatory
• hallucinatory
• interlaboratory
• interrogatory

Kids Definition

self-explanatory

adjective

self-ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry

ˌsel-fik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē,

-ˌtȯr-

: understandable without explanation